The beetle families of Peru

The beetle fauna of Peru has not been revised since Blackwelder (1944–57). Erichson (1847) and the supplements developed by Kirsch (1873–1876) were the only treatments historically focused on Peruvian fauna as such.  Objectives: We undertake the first modern synopsis of beetle families, based on our fieldwork and review of the literature.  Methods: We have been conducting fieldwork in Peru (in various locations) since 2008. Results: We present photographs of 94 families of beetles of Peru (44% of the families currently recognized in the world). Eight families are recorded for the first time in Peru: Biphyllidae, Bothrideridae, Eucinetidae, Monotomidae, Scirtidae, Scraptiidae, Silvanidae, and Throscidae. Most of these families are so little known in the tropics, and are so poorly represented in museum collections, that their rarity and condition and/or conservation status cannot be determined. Conclusions: This study (when published) will include a list of species for each family, updated higher taxonomy, and all citations of relevant literature, and will represent the first modern catalog of the entire fauna of beetles of Neotropical hyperdiverse country.